The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a government initiative aimed at ranking higher education institutions in India based on various parameters. Although the ranking system has helped in identifying and promoting the top-tier institutions, it has also faced several criticisms. Some of the flaws in the NIRF system include:

• Heavy reliance on perceptions and self-reporting by institutions
• Lack of a comprehensive evaluation framework
• Unrealistic and narrow indicators of quality, such as research output and student placements
• Ignoring the needs of regional and smaller institutions, which may not have the resources to compete for higher rankings

These flaws have led to a skewed and incomplete picture of the Indian education system, with little emphasis being placed on the quality of teaching and learning. Despite these shortcomings, the NIRF rankings have become a crucial benchmark for institutions as well as students. However, there is a need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to ranking that takes into account diverse factors, including social impact, community engagement, and sustainability.